Training in Community Pediatrics: A National Survey of Program Directors

Objective.—To describe the spectrum of residency training in community-based settings, assess the extent of resident education on community pediatrics topics, and determine whether educational activities vary by program size or avail-ability of primary care tracks. Methods.—Survey of US pediatric residency program directors from May–September 2002. A 10-item self-admin-istered questionnaire assessed the programs ’ extent of resident involvement in 15 selected community-based settings and inclusion of didactic or practical education regarding 13 community health topics. Results.—Of 168 programs surveyed (81 % response rate), 40 % were small (#30 residents), 35 % were medium (31– 50 residents), 25 % were large (.50 residents), and 15 % had primary care tracks. Frequently required community-based settings included schools (69%), child protection teams (62%), day care centers (57%), and home visiting (48%). Of 15 community-based settings, 28 % required involvement in fewer than 4, 41 % required involvement in 4–6, and 31% required involvement in 7 or more. More than two-thirds offered didactic teaching and practical experience on issues related to managed care, cultural competency, and the mental health and social service systems. There were no differ-ences in the number of required community-based settings by program size or presence of primary care tracks. Conclusions.—Most pediatric residency programs require exposure to community-based settings and provide edu-cation on various community health topics. Ongoing challenges include continued implementation amid work duty hou